Wednesday, September 30, 2015

U.S. hotel chains circle Cuba as visitors surge, restrictions ease

A man stands near the national flags of the U.S. and Cuba (R) on the balcony of a hotel being used by the first U.S. congressional delegation to Cuba since the change of policy announced by U.S. President Barack Obama on December 17, in Havana, January 19, 2015. The United...

Executives from major U.S. hotel chains have stepped up their interest in the Communist island in recent months, holding informal talks with Cuban officials as Washington loosens restrictions on U.S. firms operating there. Executives from Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide and Carlson Hospitality Group, which runs the Radisson chain, are among those who have held talks with Cuban officials in recent months, they told Reuters.

"We're all very interested." said Ted Middleton, Hilton's senior vice president of development in Latin America. "When legally we're allowed to do so we all want to be at the start-line ready to go."The United States and Cuba restored diplomatic relations in July after decades of hostility. Washington chipped away further at the half-century-old trade embargo this month, allowing certain companies to establish subsidiaries or joint ventures in Cuba as well as open offices, stores and warehouses in Cuba.The United States wants to strike a deal that lets U.S. airlines schedule Cuba flights as soon as possible, a State Department official said last week, amid speculation that a U.S. ban on its tourists visiting Cuba could be eased.U.S. hoteliers are not currently allowed to invest in Cuba, and the Caribbean island officially remains off-limits for U.S. tourists unless they meet special criteria such as being Cuban-Americans or join special cultural or educational tours.Foreign companies have to partner with a Cuban entity to do business and U.S. hoteliers expect they will have to do likewise if and when U.S. restrictions are lifted.While they wait for the politicians to iron out their differences, U.S. hotel bosses are conducting fact-finding missions in Havana and holding getting-to-know-you meetings with government officials in Cuba and various European cities.This week, Middleton, along with executives from Carlson and Wyndham Worldwide Corp., which runs the Ramada chain, are meeting with Cuba's Deputy Tourism Minister Luis Miguel Diaz at an industry conference in the Peruvian capital, Lima.In the 1950s Cuba was an exotic playground for U.S. celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardener, as well as ordinary tourists, who travel led there en masse on cheap flights and ships from Miami.A recent relaxation of some of the restrictions on U.S. travelers has encouraged over 106,000 Americans to visit Cuba so far this year, more than the 91,254 who arrived in all of 2014, according to data compiled by tourism professor José Luís Perelló of the University of Havana.Overall, tourist arrivals are up nearly 18 percent this year after a record 3 million visitors in 2014, making Cuba the second-most popular holiday destination in the Caribbean behind the much-smaller Dominican Republic.**********************************************************Graphic on tourist arrivals in the Caribbean link.reuters.com/xug75w**********************************************************U.S. hoteliers expect the number of U.S. visitors to balloon if all travel restrictions are axed."If and when the travel ban is lifted. We estimate there will be over 1.5 million U.S. travelers on a yearly basis," said Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer for the Caribbean & Latin American region for Marriott.De Kousemaeker accompanied other Marriott executives, including chief executive Arne Sorensen, to Havana in July to meet with representatives of management companies and government officials.HOSPITALITY THE BUZZ WORDEven if sanctions were lifted soon, Cuba traditionally has been slow to approve foreign investment projects, making it unlikely that U.S. hotels would be popping up immediately.Rivals from Canada and Europe have seized the opportunity, operating and investing in Cuban hotels and resorts, alongside Cuban government partners, for years.Spanish hotel operator Meliá Hotels International SA, is aiming to have 15,000 rooms in Cuba by 2018. It currently has 13,000 rooms via 27 joint ventures.London + Regional Properties Ltd, a U.K. hotel and real estate development firm, agreed a deal this summer for an 18-hole golf course, hotel and condominium project with state tourism enterprise, Palmares SA, which has a 51 percent stake in the project.But even with government plans to add 4,000 new hotel rooms every year for the next 15, the island is not ready for a significant surge in tourism.The island's tourism infrastructure went into decline in the decades following the 1959 revolution. Five-star hotel rooms, good restaurants and cheap Internet access are all in short supply.When and if they get a green light from both governments, executives said U.S. hotel chains will likely offer branding and management partnerships to Cuban government partners such as Palmares and Tourism Group Gaviota, the largest Cuban government tourism entity.The ultimate goal would be to secure long-term leases on resort developments, which is how Cuban authorities have generally operated with foreign hotels.But right now, U.S. hoteliers can't even refer to tourism when they meet Cuban counterparts, let alone talk about actual deals. Instead the buzz word is "hospitality."Marriott's de Kousemaeker likes to use an analogy from baseball, a sport loved both in Cuba and in the United States, to describe the situation.“We’re learning, and taking batting practice, but we’re sitting on the bench.” (Additional reporting by Jaime Hamre in Havana. Writing by Carmel Crimmins; Editing by Stuart Grudgings)

Fathom unveils excursions for Cuba cruises

A walking tour of Havana will highlight the city's architecture. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Fathom, Carnival Corp. new social-impact cruise brand, unveiled nearly two dozen excursions it plans to offer as part of its week-long sailings to Cuba when they start in May 2016.
In a statement, Fathom described the activities as “part learning, part sharing and all immersion into the Cuban culture and full connection with the Cuban people.”
American citizens traveling on Fathom are limited in what they can do onshore in Cuba. Regulations from the U.S. Treasury Department spell out 12 types of activities that are considered to meet the standards of “purposeful travel,” and promote cultural engagement.
Fathom passengers, for example, won’t be able to spend a day at the beach, but may partake in a Q&A session with a prominent Cuban author or meet with independent Cuban booksellers.
Two days of activities are scheduled for the Cuban capital of Havana, including a walking tour highlighting its architecture; a visit to Las Terrazas, a Unesco biosphere reserve; and a visit to Muraleando, a neighborhood “brought back to life and turned into a living work of art.”
Havana also will serve as the base for a trip to an organic farm, a Soviet-style 1970s housing project and Cojimar, a fishing village that was the setting for Ernest Hemingway’s novel “The Old Man and the Sea.”
While in Havana, Fathom guests will dine in paladares, private homes or restaurants that are not run by the state.
Day 3 will be at sea and feature organized discussions on everything from Cuban food and history to the question of why so many Cuban doctors work in foreign countries. There will be an entertainment session focused on the music of the Buena Vista Social Club.
Fathom will next visit Cienfuegos for a day. On the agenda: a visit to an elementary school, a choral performance and an interactive session with Cuban business professionals. There will be a side trip to Trinidad to explore colonial architecture with a restoration specialist.
Fathom will also stop in Santiago de Cuba, the island’s Second City, where a half dozen activities await, including explorations of Spanish, French and Afro-Cuban heritage; talks with local professionals; meals at paladares; and an unspecified economic development project.
“Fathom travelers will have the chance to interact, one-on-one, with artists, musicians, small-business owners, health workers and others to learn about all aspects of Cuban society,” said Fathom President Tara Russell, “and to connect and share insights and stories, leading to further progress for the Cuban people.”
The excursions are included in the fare, which starts at about $1,800 per person. The price excludes Cuban visa, taxes, fees and port expenses. Prices will vary by
season.

enliven a reception hosted by the Irish
government at the Hotel Palacio O’Farrill

To great local press acclaim and overflow audiences, Mick,
Athena, Billy and Niall performed in Havana in November 2014, the first visit
by a group of professional Irish traditional musicians from the US. (Five minute finale http://tinyurl.com/IrishFinale; full concert http://tinyurl.com/MoloneyCuba)They are making a return trip with friends and supporters for concerts,
workshops and an Irish embassy hosted reception November 20-24, 2015. Details here http://tinyurl.com/MoloneyCubatrip

Our licensed people to people program explores the Irish and
Irish American heritage of Cuba. We see sites
linked to the O’Farrill family, O’Reilly and Dynamite Johnny O’Brien; learn the history of
Felix Varela, exiled priest and advocate of New York’s Irish famine immigrants
and of the father of Prime Minister Eamon de Valera; and visit a memorial to
the Irish hunger strikers http://tinyurl.com/AdamsCuba (draft schedule below)

If you wish to accompany them and witness first-hand the
impact of the historic normalization of diplomatic relations between the US and
Cuba, contact John McAuliff, director@ffrd.org

The estimated cost is around $950 for non-stop air from New York ($550 from Florida) plus $1200 for the four days while Mick and the other
musicians are in Havana. That includes hotels, most meals, local
transportation, and guide/interpreter. Unless we can find sufficient outside
support, we will also ask each participant for a tax deductible contribution to
help cover musicians expenses and performance arrangements in Cuba. The amount suggested
is $500 per person, but it could be less or more, depending on personal
circumstances. (The total is still less than most people to people commercial
tours of Cuba.)

Niall O'Leary with Mick, Athena and Billy at Fabrica de Arte, Havana, November 2014

Dr. Eusebeo Leal, historian responsible for the restoration of Habana Vieja, visits the statue of Father Felix Varela in St. Augustine. When Varela was forced into exile by Spanish authorities because he opposed slavery and colonialism, he embraced the famine Irish in New York.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

As a former Spanish colony liberally painted with French, African, American, Jamaican, Irish and indigenous Taíno influences, the breadth of Cuba’s heritage is staggering. Important historical heirlooms – forts, palaces, hotels and colonial towns – dominate the Cuban landscape, and many of them are being faithfully restored. Rhythms and melodies are ubiquitous in this melting pot of African, European and Caribbean cultures. It’s like no other place on earth. Join us for an educational seven-day experience in this open-air classroom. Our Cuba Cruise, embarking from Montego Bay, Jamaica, gives you the chance to begin to explore Cuba. What makes Cuba so unique is its warm, vibrant people, simultaneously welcoming, engaging and sincere, as complex and distinctive as the dense percussion and exultant vocals in their music. Cuba is home to survivors and improvisers, poets and dreamers, musicians and dancers…the people of Cuba have kept the country and its effervescent, seductive culture alive for centuries. Our Cuba Cruise is an opportunity to meet and mingle with these people, to see their day-to-day lives in three dimensions, to ask questions. Cuba remains a unique and paradisiacal destination, a captivating anachronism, in a world that seems to become ever-more globalized. We invite you to share it with the people of Cuba and to learn everything you can about this unique island nation.

People-to-people
program embarking in Montego Bay ( subject to change)

Americans can also begin the cruise in Havana on Monday (or Tuesday). Overnight stays are possible before embarkation or after disembarkation to assure flight connections. A longer supplemental program in the Havana area can also be arranged under the general license of the Fund for Reconciliation and Development by contacting director@ffrd.org . Available accommodations are most likely in a private bed and breakfast.

DAY
1: Montego Bay

This lush island is
home to congenial fishing villages, pristine waterfalls, seaside villages,
wetlands harboring endangered crocodiles and manatees, and reggae music, which
was born here in the 1960s. Jamaica is a country infused with pride in its
unique history, breathtaking landscape and singular culture that has produced
some of the world’s great musicians and writers. Montego Bay, its second city,
is the capital of St. James Parish, and an inspiration too – singer-songwriter
Bobby Bloom crooned about its incredible charms in his hit song from 1970, “Montego Bay.”

Afternoon:
Embarkation

Afternoon (45
minutes): Embarkation Briefing (Orientation)

Jorge
G. Arocha is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Havana, the oldest
university in Cuba and one of the first in the Americas. The University of
Havana was founded in 1728 and counts past and present national leaders among
its illustrious Cuban alumni. Professor Arocha will sail with us for the entire
cruise and will be available to answer any questions you may have about Cuban
culture and history, both fascinating and incredibly rich. During this
briefing, professor Arocha will welcome all people-to-people program participants
on board. He will then take you through the week’s culturally enriching program.

Evening (45 minutes): “Cuban
History: Visual Arts
in Cuba” talk

Cuba is a country with a very diverse culture
and the visual arts are no exception. In recent years, a number of distinctive trends
have emerged in Cuban visual arts with references to themes and characters
based on the Afro-Cuban culture. Professor Jorge G. Arocha invites you to an insightful
presentation on board, during which you will have the opportunity to participate
in discussions on manifestations of the rich cultural heritage of the country.

Evening (45 minutes)
– Dance like a Cuban: It’s Salsa Time!

Cuba is the birthplace of many dances such as Cha-Cha, Son, Danzon,
Danzonete, Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, Bolero and many others, all are a celebration
of Cuban life and music.

Salsa dancing originated in New
York in the mid-1970s. It evolved from earlier Cuban dance forms, such as
Cha-Cha-Cha and Mambo and incorporated elements of both swing dancing and
disco, which jostled for space on the dance floor with Afro-Cuban and
Afro-Caribbean dances such as Guaguanco and Pachanga. Salsa dancers shift their weight
with each step, keeping their upper bodies parallel to their feet as if
unaffected by the movement of their hips. The Cuban Casino style of salsa
dancing involves “up-and-down” shoulder movements and rhythmic twists of the
torso. Its rhythms are insistent and infectious; they make it impossible to sit
still, so don’t even try! Let our professional Cuban dance instructors take you
through all the salsa steps you need to know during the first fifteen minutes
of the class. Once you’ve learned the steps, you’ll have the next half-hour to
put what you’ve learned into practice with the assistance of our instructors.

Day 2: Santiago

Beautiful Santiago de Cuba is the second-largest city in Cuba and the
capital of the province of Santiago de Cuba. Santiago is actually closer to the
island of Hispaniola (home to the Dominican Republic and Haiti) than it is to
Havana, thus a strong current of Afro-Caribbean culture sizzles through its “avenidas”
and alleyways. The Revolution started here, as did Bacardi rum, salsa and son.
Santiago’s rhythm is uniquely its own.

Morning: “Panoramic Santiago” tour

We will meet with Dr. Martha Cordié Jackson,
a historian and the director of the African Cultural Center “Fernando Ortiz.”
Following Dr. Jackson’s presentation we will enjoy a dance performance, and
have a chance to speak with the performers afterwards. Next, we will visit
three iconic locations. One is a memorial to Antonio Maceo, the "Bronze Titan,” who led two wars for independence
before he was slain by Spanish bullets in 1896.
The second is San Juan Hill, where Teddy Roosevelt and his rough riders
defeated the Spanish in 1898 after the USA entered the Cuban-Spanish-American
War. Our third visit will be the Moncada
Barracks, where Fidel and Raul Castro commenced their 1953 assault on the
Batista regime.

After our tour, you
may return to the ship for lunch and relaxation, or you can opt to be
dropped-off in the colonial central square of Santiago, home to the city’scathedral, shops and privately-owned restaurants
(called “paladares”). After walking along the streets of this colonial gem, you
can return to the ship on foot or by taxi.

Professor Jorge
G. Arocha takes you from the discovery of the Caribbean by Christopher Columbus
through the Cuban-Spanish-American War in a fascinating presentation about the
birth of the Cuban nation.

Afternoon (60 minutes): Our Cuban Staff Want to Meet and Greet You

Share
time with our Cuban staff during your week together. Learn about what it’s like to grow up in
Cuba, get firsthand insight into their daily lives and develop a real understanding
of their culture, their history and their customs. This is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to get to know the people of Cuba and hear their stories. Most are comfortable speaking in English but
are happy to help you practice your Spanish.

Evening (60
minutes) – Dance like a Cuban: It’s Rumba Time!

Rumba is a group of rhythms, music and ballroom dance that originated in
Cuba. The name “rumba” is derived from the Cuban-Spanish word “rumbo,” which
means "party" or "spree" – Habaneros of African descent
used the word as a synonym for party. Rumba is based on African music and dance
traditions, namely Abakuá and yuka, and is also derived from the coros de clave,
which originated in Spain. Cuban rumba comprises the three traditional forms of
rumba: yambú, guaguancó and columbia. Our Cuban dance instructors will take you
through the steps during the first 15 minutes of class, and then they’ll turn
you loose on the dance floor. Get ready to rumba!

DAY 3: At Sea

Program on
board

Morning (45 minutes): A
Taste of Cuba: How “Mixing and Matching” Creates the Most Mouthwatering Dishes

Join us for a Cuban cooking lesson, one that gives you a chance to
discover some of the many “gems” of Cuban Cuisine. You will learn how to take fresh ingredients
and create incomparable tastes that burst with the flavors of Cuba. Our chef will
show how Creole and Spanish cuisine blend to create the authentic, singular
Cuban gastronomic experience. Simple, hearty and incredibly flavorful, you’ll
learn what you need to try your hand at cooking these dishes at home.

Cuba is known worldwide for its hand-rolled cigars. If you love cigars,
this presentation gives you the opportunity to learn how the country’s beloved
“Habanos” are produced! Christopher
Columbus is generally creditedwith
the introduction of tobacco to Europe. Three of Columbus's crewmen on his 1492
journey to the New World are said to have encountered tobacco for the first
time on the island of Hispaniola, then again on Cuba. This
presentation will give you a comprehensive understanding of the origins of
tobacco and how the Cuban cigar industry was born and developed.

This presentation is a general characterization of the Cuban culture,
taking the ajiaco as the main response to the question: What is the Cuban
people? “Ajiaco” is the name of an Indian soup of the Taíno population. It’s
made with sweet potato, yucca root, plantains, corn and meat (beef and/or pork),
and several other ingredients. It requires a lot of stock, as well as lemon
juice and aji (like the chili, but softer). This is one of the staples of Cuban
cuisine. As well, the dish is symbolic
of Cuban culture – a diverse mix of different races, accents, religions, and myths
of Cuba, all stewed together like the ingredients in the ajiaco. Professor
Arocha will also discuss the geography of Cuba, its national symbols (including
the national bird of Cuba, the tocororo), historical places in Havana and the
Spanish spoken in Cuba.

Afternoon (45
minutes): “Rum Diary – The History of Rum and a Taste of the Magic” talk

Cuba is known
as the Isle of Rum, thanks to her world-famous sugar cane, her delightful
Caribbean climate, her fertile soil, and the unique knowledge of Cuban "Maestro
Roneros" (master rum-makers). Cuban rum began as “tafia,” fermented nectar
made with the island’s sugar cane and enjoyed by sailors and swashbucklers
alike. With the introduction of copper stills in the 19th century,
Maestro Roneros took their first shot at aging Cuban rum, and its quality improved
immensely. Pedro Diago, the father of Cuban rum, had the idea of storing the
"aguardientes", or eaux-de-vie, in pots and burying them to age.

In the second
half of the 19th century, the result of these developments was the
introduction of lighter, more refined rum, "Ron Superior," which was
requested by the Spanish crown to serve to the Spanish court and to the “elite
of the Empire.” It was so popular that by 1860 Cuba was home to more than 1000
distilleries. Join us for a deeper look into the fascinating history of Cuba’s
national drink, and for a taste of some of her finest rums.

Afternoon (60
minutes): More of our Cuban Staff Want to Meet and Greet You

Get together again with different members of our Cuban staff. Ask them about their experiences growing up
and living in Cuba, and answer questions they might have about life in the USA.
You should also feel free to ask them whatever questions you have after experiencing
the real Cuba in vibrant Santiago de Cuba. Expect to make new friends and hear
how they live, play, and work in Cuba.

Evening (45
minutes): Let’s Learn “Cuban”

Join Professor Arocha for an in-depth discussion on what makes Cuba
different from her Latin American neighbors. Whether it’s the Spanish spoken in
Cuba, her literature, her music, her cuisine…Cuba is a singular place, and
Professor Arocha will take you on a brief tour of what makes her unique,
followed by a question and answer session.

Evening (60
minutes): Dance Like a Real Cuban: It’s Cha Cha time!

Everybody
Loves to Cha Cha Cha! The cha-cha-cha is a Cuban dance created in 1953 by Cuban
composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin. The cha-cha-cha is a fast ballroom dance
similar to the mambo – it follows a rhythmic pattern based upon a quick
three-step movement, cha-cha-cha. Let us give a bit of the history of Cuban
Terpsichore and teach you how to dance an authentic cha-cha-cha!

DAY 4: HAVANA

From all over the city of Havana one
perceives a rumor of trees and conversations, of plenitude and freshness.

-Renaldo
Arenas, “End of a Story,” from Mona and
Other Tales

As the Caribbean’s largest and most vivacious
city, Havana’s romantic atmosphere and boundless energy are legendary. “Anything
is possible in Havana,” wrote British novelist Graham Greene of Cuba's magical
capital. One of the world's great urban centers, this tough but elegant
tropical metropolis is a cosmopolitan cocktail of stirring monuments and
festive music. It has few cultural equals.

Habaneros love their city, and it’s easy to
see why. Amid the sweet blue waters of the sparkling Caribbean, over five
centuries of history have helped shape one of the Hispanic world’s most
electric and culturally unique societies. A stomping ground for pirates, a fortified
slave port for the Spanish and a gambling capital for the American Mafia, Havana
has survived it all. The city has given the world mambo and salsa, mural
paintings, Cohiba cigars, Havana Club rum…Havana is the heart of Cuba, and it
beats with unstoppable, celebratory passion.

Morning (45 minutes): The History
of Havana

We begin our
immersion in miraculous Havana with a presentation on board the ship by a
historian or architect from the city.There
will be time for questions and discussion with our speaker.

Morning: “The Real Taste of Havana” tour

Old Havana and its fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Join us on this tour to experience the
majesty of colonial Havana. The city was founded in 1519 by the Spanish, and by
the 17th century it had become one of the Caribbean's main centers for
ship-building and provisioning. The old city center comprises a breathtaking
mix of Baroque and neoclassical monuments and a homogeneous ensemble of private
houses with arcades, balconies, wrought-iron gates and internal courtyards.
Come meander along the narrow streets of this fascinating city with our expert
guide, who will regale you with tales of this magical city’s storied history.

We begin with a walking tour of the
historical center ofHabana Vieja,
where we’ll see the Arms Square, the Royal Forces Castle, Saint Fransis of
Assisi Square, the Cathedral Square and the Old Square. We’ll visit a graphics
workshop, and see local artists at work – you’ll also have a chance to interact
with them. Afterwards you can either return to the ship for lunch or discover one
of the many private restaurants (“paladar”) in Old Havana.

Afternoon:
“More of Authentic Havana” tour

We begin our
afternoon with a guided bus tour through the 19th and 20th
century transformation of Havana into its modern iteration. We will pass by “Paseo
del Prado” (the Promenade), the Grande Teatro de Havana and the Capital
Building. We will visit the Plaza de la Revolución, where May Day marches
political speeches, and Papal masses have taken place. There’ll be time to take
photos at the Jose Martí Memorial and at the National Library.

This segment of the
excursion traces how Havana grew from the underprivileged sections within its
walls, such as Centro Habana and Chinatown, to include the middle class and
wealthy neighbourhoods, such as Vedado, Nuevo Vedado, Miramar and the
International Business Centre, beyond its walls. We’ll see the famed escalinata
(stairway) and the Alma Mater statue at the University of Havana, La Rampa
entertainment zone, the Coppelia ice cream parlor and the Habana Libre Hotel (formerly
Havana Hilton) and the famed Nacional Hotel. You’ll also have a chance to purchase authentic Cuban
souvenirs and gifts from self-employed artists, craftsmen and vendors at San
José Market.

The evening is left open for you to experience
Havana’s famous night life. Return to
the ship for dinner, or sample more of the high quality restaurant scene in
Habana Vieja, Centro and Vedado. Join others
from the ship at a pre-booked electrifying performance of Opera de la Calle
(Opera of the Streets), a nostalgic 50s style Buena Vista Social Club show, or
the iconic Tropicana cabaret show. Enjoy
on your own clubs featuring jazz, salsa, regetón, and trovador. Check whether the acclaimed national ballet,
symphony and modern dance groups are performing that night. Within steps of the ship in the Basilica de San
Francisco, you might find Camarata Romeu in concert, the all women chamber
orchestra featured in a PBS documentary.
(The place to discover what’s happening during your night on the town is
the downloadable monthly PDF “What’s On Havana!” a feature of the web magazine cubaabsolutely.com.)

DAY 5: HAVANA

Morning (90 minutes): Performance
– Afro-Cuban Music and Dance

It’s morning in Havana. N’Sila Che Che is a performance ofAfro-Cuban music and dance on board the Celestyal Crystal bya group of local artists who are believers in the three dominant strains of Afro-Cuban religion in Havana: Santeria, Palo Monte and Abakuá. The performance will be introduced by Dr. Raisa Fornaguera de la Pena, director of the municipal museum of Regla.After the performance, feel free to disembark and continue exploring Havana and meeting its people on your own. Find the most appealing local cuisine or return to the ship for lunch.

Afternoon: “More of Real Havana” Tour

After lunch, take some time to familiarize yourself with the modern history of Cuba at the Museum of the Revolution, housed in the former Presidential Palace, or to see impressive classical and modern works at the Museum of Fine Arts just across the street. Finish your Havana adventure with an independent stroll along the cobblestone streets of the old city.

Afternoon: All Aboard

Evening (30 minutes): “Cuban
Flora and Fauna” talk

Cuba is home
to 7000 species of plants (half of them endemic), and the country’s fauna is
incredible featuring 35 mammal species (24 endemic), 350 bird species (23
endemic), 121 reptiles (103 endemic) and 48 types of amphibian (42 endemic),
including the bee hummingbird, the butterfly bat and the Cuban crocodile. Many
of these unique plants and animals make their homes in the country’s
approximate 3,400 square kilometers of national conservation areas. Join
Professor Arocha for a lively presentation about Cuba’s unique ecosystem and
its residents.

Evening (60 minutes): Dance like a Cuban: Now
You Can!

Come join us
for a potpourri of Cuban dances and live Cuban music! Are you ready to cha-cha-cha,
mambo and salsa? Give it a whirl under the guidance of our expert Cuban dance
instructors. Our authentic Cuban band will make it impossible for you to stay
away from the dance floor.

DAY 6: MARIA LA GORDA

Maria la Gorda, in western Cuba, is a palm-fringed oasis of sugar-sand and
clear water amidst banana fields and tobacco plantations. The diving camp here,
also named Maria la Gorda, is the perfect place to embark on an exploration of
Cuba’s coastal treasures. Visit some of
the Caribbean’s most astonishing coral canyons and caves – there are more than
20 dive spots here and an incredible array of tropical marine life.

Today you’ll have a day to discover Maria La Gorda and
her natural wonders at your own pace.

Optional tours:

·Excursion to the
nature preserve of Cabo de San Antonio

·Diving Maria La Gorda

·Snorkeling Maria La
Gorda

Afternoon (45
minutes): Cuban History “Republic and Revolution” talk

Join us for a fascinating lecture by Professor Arocha about the history
of modern Cuba. He will take us from the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, the
last days of which were immortalized in The
Godfather Part II to Biran, the birthplace of Fidel and Raul Castro and to
Santiago de Cuba, specifically the Moncada Garrison where the first shots of the
Cuban revolution were fired.

Hungry for authentic Cuban food?
Join Professor Arocha and a team of Cuban chefs for a demonstration on how to prepare
festive Cuban dishes, with a focus on fresh ingredients and ease of
preparation. Professor Arocha will share the history of these dishes as they
are prepared. Come hungry!

Evening (60
minutes) – Dance like a Cuban: It’s Mambo time!

The mambo is a fast ballroom dance of Cuban origin – it’s rhythmically
similar to the rumba and cha-cha-cha, but its pattern of steps is more complex.
After its birth in Cuba, both American and Mexican dancers and musicians made
significant changes to the mambo, helping it develop into its modern form. The
word "mambo" means
"conversation with the gods" in Kikongo, the language spoken by Central African slaves who were brought to the Caribbean. Modern mambo began with a song, "Mambo,"
recorded in 1938 by brothers Orestes and Cachao López, two legends of Cuban music.

DAY 7: CIENFUEGOS

Cienfuegos, “the Pearl of the South,” was founded in 1819. Situated on
the Caribbean coast of southern-central Cuba at the heart of the country’s
sugar cane, mango, tobacco and coffee production area, the town first developed
in the neoclassical style – it became more eclectic as it grew but still
retained a harmonious overall townscape.

Morning: “See the Best of Cienfuegos” tour

Our first stop is the University of
Cienfuegos, where we’ll have a rare opportunity to interact with the
university’s dynamic and engaging professors – they are looking forward to sharing
insights about their city with you, both its storied history and its future.
We’ll then visit the Plaza de Armas, the traditional central square of
Cienfuegos, and the magnificent Teatro Thomas Terry. Built between 1887 and
1889 to honor Venezuelan industrialist Tomás Terry, this 950-seat opera house
and theater is decorated with marble and hand-carved Cuban hardwoods. Don’t
forget to look up for a view of the theater’s ceiling frescoes.

We will also visit the Graphic Society
of Cienfuegos, where we’ll view prints and meet with the artists who offer
programs for children with special needs., You may either conclude
your visit seeing the unique architecture of the Palacio de Valle and return
to the ship for lunch or stay in the Plaza de Armas to savor a meal in a local
paladar and explore Cienfuegos on your own.

Afternoon (45
minutes): “Cuban History – the Musicality of the Cuban People” talk

Professor Arocha
will give a presentation about the musicality of the Cuban people. Bolero,
cha-cha-cha, guajiras, mambo, rumba, sones, trova…how can one island produce so
much music, so much dance, all of it beloved the world over? Professor Arocha
will discuss the African and European influences in Cuban music and how this
vibrant music has become so central to Cuban life.

This is an opportunity
to ask questions and reflect on your experience in Cuba with Professor Arocha,
with our Cuban crew and with any of the American staff accompanying you.

Evening (45 minutes) – Make Your Own Cuban
Cocktail

Try a real
mojito, and then learn the history of this fabulous and refreshing cocktail. Some historians
believe the African slaves who worked in the Cuban sugar cane fields during the
19th century were instrumental in the cocktail's origin – guarapo, the sugar cane
juice often used in mojitos, was a popular drink
amongst the slaves, who came up with the name of this sweet nectar. Our Cuban
mixologists will teach you how to make the best Cuban cocktails while taking
you through the rituals, stories and urban myths behind these drinks.

Evening (60 minutes):
Dance like a Cuban

Our final
Cuban dance party! Come join us for a real fiesta! You’ll have a chance to use
everything you’ve learned about cha-cha-cha, mambo, salsa…expect a late night. ********************************************************************************Cuba Cruise has worked closely with the Fund for Reconciliation and Development to create a general license people to people itinerary that meets current US legal requirements for a full time program of educational and cultural exchange activities for US citizens and residents traveling to Cuba. Special shore excursions have been designed to be in compliance with US regulations while providing opportunities for personal discovery and independent meals. On board an array of talks, demonstrations and lessons are offered so that passengers may choose those of greatest personal interest. The two opportunities to meet with Cuban crew should be on everyone's agenda.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Commentary: Volunteering in Cuba can repair diplomatic relations — on a very personal level

By Pamela Cromer

September 8, 2015 | 9:38 a.m.

Regardless of where you stand on normalization of American-Cuban relations, there's no doubt that the people of Cuba can benefit from humanitarian assistance after the long U.S. embargo.
As one who has been to Cuba many times, I now prefer a more meaningful, and decidedly helpful, way to experience the wonderful Cuban culture and hospitality. I travel as a volunteer and have discovered the heart of Cuba by doing so.
Yes, it's imperative to visit Havana's iconic Malecon and tour Ernest Hemingway's house. But by leading groups of service-oriented Americans to Cuba for Global Volunteers, I've acquired an extended family in Ciego de Avila, a charming agricultural community in the center of the islan

Julio, Ramon and Maria are who I think of when I hear that Wi-Fi is finally being provided to ordinary citizens. It's the beaming faces of the children to whom we taught conversational English that I see. I know personally the effect of our governments' decisions in each of the homes I've visited.

When Secretary of State John Kerry celebrated the formal opening of the American embassy in Havana, I recalled what our inspired Cuban host, Eduardo Gonzales, said in greeting our last volunteer team: "You'll help us bring about the necessary changes our nation craves. But most important, you help us build bridges over which our governments can walk."
By getting to know Cubans as people, beyond the music, cigars and stereotypes, we can explore our commonalities and become enriched through our knowledge.
As Gonzales stated, "By working together, we realize that we all hope, laugh, eat, worry and care about our children's futures. We can easily become friends."
Of course, the diplomatic intricacies are complicated. But our people-to-people relationship certainly opens doors.
For instance, I stopped at a fruit and vegetable stand to buy some bananas, and when I went to pay, the owner said, "This is my gift to you for coming here to help out the Cubans."
I walked away with my fruit, a big smile and tears in my eyes.
For two weeks, my team of 15 volunteers taught English to 44 children and adults, assisted 10 farmers on community gardens and helped a church maintenance crew repair a water catchment.
None of us is a professional in these areas, but we gave of ourselves in our own ways. Each day and on the weekend, our Cuban friends shared cultural and educational activities with us.
They gave more to me than I could ever give to them. Every day was an adventure for our souls and minds. I look forward to my ninth Cuba trip and urge all my friends to join Global Volunteers: www.globalvolunteers.org.PAMELA CROMER lives in Irvine.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Sabre Corporation has announced the development of a capability that helps travel agents in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to comply with recently liberalized U.S. regulations for trips booked to, from or within Cuba. Here's how the process works.

September 2, 2015By: Newswire Sabre Corporation has announced the development of a capability that helps travel agents in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to comply with recently liberalized U.S. regulations for trips booked to, from or within Cuba.
Available to travel buyers and tour operators, the Cuba Traveler Certification capability enhances the user experience in agents’ service desktops, Sabre said. The company is utilizing the standard Cuba travel certification form for passengers developed by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA).
Built on Sabre’s industry agency workspace, and powered by API technology, the Cuba Traveler Certification capability automatically alerts agents when they have booked an itinerary with air travel to Cuba in order to access the required certification form, transmit the needed data to the transporting airlines, and email the certification form to customers for their records.
Visit www.sabre.com

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Awaiting American avalanche, Cubans rush to the beach

Cubans are rushing to the beach because of the possible surge in prices after Americans start coming in.

Representational Image File Photo

Cubans are flocking to the beach in record numbers before a possible end to the US travel ban that would open the gates to American tourists and bump up prices.
Until 2008, the Communist government banned Cubans from tourist hotels. Since then, the industry has been shocked at how many Cubans check in: 1.2 million permanent Cuban residents last year, up 23% from 2013.
The government's tourism officials have reported another increase this year, without providing figures. Experts say many of those visiting beaches and hotels are able to afford it because they receive money from relatives living abroad, especially in the United States.

In a clear sign of the changing times, state television news recently ran a segment informing Cubans of the proper etiquette for vacationing in the same resorts as foreigners. "Keep voices low, don't smoke, and don't litter," the newscaster said. "Hopefully when visitors return home they can say they saw more than beautiful beaches and classic cars; hopefully they can say how well-mannered Cubans are."
Varadero, about 100 miles (160 km) east of Havana, is Cuba's leading beach resort, boasting fine white sand and turquoise blue waters. Cubans are now the number two source of tourists at Varadero, trailing only Canadians, and they are slightly ahead of Canadians nationwide.
"What's more, Cuban clients aren't just staying in the more standard hotels, but in the chain's best," said Narciso Sotolongo, deputy director of sales for Melia Hotels International in Cuba. The Spanish hotel chain is Cuba's most important foreign partner in tourism, managing 27 properties on the island.
Nearly 80,000 Cubans have stayed at Melia properties this year, a 35 % jump from this time last year. Since Melia opened to locals in 2009, the surge has averaged 32 % a year.MORE AMERICANS
Cuba received a record 3 million foreign tourists in 2014, and visits were up 17 % year-on-year in the first seven months of 2015. More and more Americans are coming. Experts in the tourism industry predict 150,000 American visits by the end of this year, up from 91,000 in 2014, and many believe there could be massive growth in coming years.
As part of detente with a former Cold War enemy, United States President Barack Obama has eased restrictions on travel to Cuba. While tourism in Cuba is still specifically banned, some Americans manage to visit and find their way to a beach.
President Obama has already authorise direct flights to Cuba, cruise ships and ferry service as long as there is an educational purpose to travellers' stay in Cuba. Legislation to lift the travel ban appears to be blocked by the Republican majority in Congress, but the lobby in favour of engagement with Cuba believes Obama's administration will do more to weaken restrictions and perhaps force the Republicans' hand.
The administration has shown virtually no interest in prosecuting Americans for vacationing in Cuba and the tourism industry is preparing for an eventual lifting of the travel ban. "One of Obama's policy goals is to inject money into Cuba's private economy and this can be done through tourism and remittances," said Richard Feinberg, a Cuba expert and former national security advisor to US President Bill Clinton. Despite the domestic tourism boom, a weekend at Varadero is still out of reach for the majority of Cubans on a state salary that averaged $24 per month in 2014.
Hotels that formerly denied admittance to Cubans now offer special deals for locals, primarily to fill rooms in the summer months during international tourism's low season. Jose Luis Perello, an economist and professor of tourism at the University of Havana, estimated the rise of domestic tourism is almost entirely linked to Cubans residing abroad, who send money to their relatives back in Cuba, allowing them a higher standard of living and to set up their own businesses.
In 2009, Obama eliminated restrictions on remittances and family visits for approximately 2 million Cuban-Americans. Other economists attribute the growth more to President Raul Castro's economic reforms since he took over in 2008, which have boosted purchasing power for some, primarily through allowing small private businesses.
"You walk down the street in Varadero and realise it's totally full of Cubans, whereas before you would always see more foreigners. Things are changing for Cubans for the better," said Madeline Baro, standing on the beach with her young daughter.
Baro is married to a driver for a foreign company, a relatively high-paying job. Most Cubans lack that luxury. "With the basic Cuban salary, you could never even dream of having a vacation with your family. Never," said Irenia Gomez Oviedo, a cashier. She said she and her family were able to spend two nights in Varadero thanks to money from her father, a private business owner. Even with the help, they had to save for a year to pay for the all-inclusive hotel at a rate of $50 per night, she said.